Brain foods are any foods that help improve cognitive function and protect the brain from damage. Attending college is challenging hard work and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Many hours will be spent attending classes and labs and you will put even more time into studying. Studying becomes more effective when you concentrate on a schedule at the same time and place. This exercise gears your mind to get down to business and it is like training your muscles for sports activities.
There is another little-known secret to successful studying and that is eating the right kind of brain foods. They help your mind think more clearly and concentrate more intently as well as strengthen the eyes. The top 6 brain-boosting foods for studying include:
A steady diet of these foods will improve your concentration on and retention of important material for all your coursework.
Protein Brain Foods Such As Fish and Nuts Boost the Brain
A good place to start is with fish because studies show this food improves mental performance and slows mental decline. The nutrients responsible for this power include omega-3 fats in concentration, vitamin B-12, selenium, and healthy protein. Other types of seafood can provide these same benefits.
Raw nuts provide other essential nutrients that also boost brain functioning power, including:
- Protein
- Healthy fats
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
- Fiber
An excellent choice is walnuts which make great portable study snacks. The good fat in nuts is turned into bad fat when they are roasted or cooked in oils, so avoid them.
Choice Vegetables Increase Brain Power for Studying
We have all been told that vegetables are good for us, and this is especially true for keeping our brains healthy. Green, orange, and red varieties help in many ways including peppers, carrots, broccoli, beets, and avocados. They have these nutrients that can give us boosts:
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
- Nitric oxide
- Folate
- Vitamins A and C
- Potassium
A little research will reveal other vegetables and fruits you may like better that are less expensive and still do the job of boosting brain power.
“There is another little-known secret to successful studying and that is eating the right kind of brain foods. They help your mind think more clearly and concentrate more intently as well as strengthen the eyes.” |
Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Are Brain Foods
These two food products are a joy to add to the list. They are loaded with flavonoid compounds that can help increase blood flow to your brain, and improve your memory and reaction time. Since they have the highest flavonoid content by weight of any food, you can get the benefits of:
- Better performance on mental tests
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Reduces mental fatigue
- Improves blood flow to the brain
- Boosts memory and reaction time on mental tasks
Clearly, these two food products are winners for the brain and your study results.
Eggs Are Delicious Brain Foods
Eggs are delicious and can be cooked in many ways to please your palate. They act as nature’s multivitamin and provide these essential nutrients for good brain functioning:
- Vitamin B12
- Choline
- Selenium
- Lutein
Eggs help with memory storage, cognition, motor performance, neurological health, vision, and short-term learning. Eat the whole egg and not just the whites to get the full results.
Citrus Fruits Are Great Brain Foods
Citrus fruits are another group of foods that can improve brain health at any age including oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruit. Eat them to obtain these advantages:
- Rich in flavonoids
- Protect nerve cells
- Promote learning and memory
- Enhance blood flow to the brain
- Good for snacks
Combine citrus fruits with the other groups and you will notice enhanced brain performance.
Don’t Forget the Berries
Many people do not eat berries regularly because they do not understand their benefits and they can cost more than their budget allows. Most groceries run sales on different berries each week and you can take advantage of them.
The most common are blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries which can provide:
- Concentrated flavonoids
- Quicker response times
- Help maintain mental accuracy
- Improved memory for tests
- Improved spatial memory
Eating berries and all the other foods we have discussed are wonderful ways to boost brain power. The results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed every time you eat them. Studies have revealed the benefits are typically achieved for college students when these foods are eaten regularly.
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